For the working professionalhttp://www.collajmag.com
Living beyond the pursuit of fame and deep pocketsWed, 27 Dec 2017 09:41:13 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.22Avoid the Void in Your Daily Living: How to Live Life to the Fullesthttp://www.collajmag.com/2465/avoid-the-void-in-your-daily-living-how-to-live-life-to-the-fullest/
http://www.collajmag.com/2465/avoid-the-void-in-your-daily-living-how-to-live-life-to-the-fullest/#commentsWed, 27 Dec 2017 09:29:48 +0000http://www.collajmag.com/?p=2465
Ever get the feeling like something’s missing in your life even though your schedule is packed back to back with social gatherings and activities after work and weekends? Or maybe you have loads of extra time and don’t know how to use it. Living life to the fullest starts with reshaping the way you think and do things—spending your moments intentionally and meaningfully with a purpose to grow, instead of doing things mindlessly and as if you have no extra minute to spare. And when you have no extra moment to spare, you think less about the process and reasoning behind your actions.

The best investment you can make in your life is putting your time into long lasting intangibles, which include relationships and constant growth in all areas of your life.

1) Spiritual growth

Studies have shown that spirituality/faith can play an important role in a person’s health and wellness. A study presented at the New York Academy of Medicine conference in March 2014 concluded that spiritual care has the potential to be a powerful intervention in patient care. Another study in the journal of Psychological Medicine published in 2015 examined the connections between spirituality and mental health and found that spiritual intervention reduced anxiety for patients. For more, read “6 Ways Spirituality Can Help Make You Healthier” on EverydayHealth.com and “5 Scientifically Supported Benefits of Prayer.”

Quotables

“It is the unseen and the spiritual in people that determines the outward and the actual.” -Oswald Chambers

“We are more than just flesh and bones. There’s a certain spiritual nature and something of the mind that we can’t measure. We can’t find it. With all our sophisticated equipment, we cannot monitor or define it, and yet it’s there.” – Ben Carson

“In faith, there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.” – Blaise Pascal

2) Intellectual/Mental growth

Growing in your intellect includes the constant development of your brain through creativity, logical reasoning and critical thinking that also come from picking up new skills, trying new activities and absorbing information from reading and observing. Growing in this area means a never-ending journey of learning.

“Everybody has talent, it’s just a matter of moving around until you’ve discovered what it is.” – George Lucas

“You have to approach things with childlike curiosity. Inventors are the experts with beginners minds.”
-Jeff Bezos

3) Character growth

Growing in your character involves self control, discipline and persistence. Practice this by always going a step further, e.g., not stopping when you feel tired at the halfway mark but making sure to finish your goal of running that extra mile without stopping.

Quotables

“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” – Bruce Lee

“I’ve always considered myself to be just average talent and what I have is a ridiculous insane obsessiveness for practice and preparation.” – Will Smith

“I think self-discipline is something, it’s like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.” – Daniel Goldstein

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

4) Social growth

Social growth involves being able to interact positively with others. Many issues occur in relationships due to a lack of listening skills, where the focus is more on the reply than attempting to understand what is being communicated. Be aware of your feelings and practice sympathy, empathy, and become a joy and help to others. You’ll win more friends and have a more rewarding life that way.

Quotables

“Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go.” – Margaret Walker

“I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.” – Charles R. Swindoll

“Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books – especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day.” – John Wooden

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand. Most people listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen Covey

5) Physical growth

Take time to work on your health and well being. If you’ve lived a careless and stationary life that lacks physical activity and natural foods, and you also don’t remember the last time you went to the dentist or checked your health, now’s a good time to start. When your body is healthy, you function better and your older self with thank you later down the road.

Quotables

“I was one of those people who put too much emphasis on work and career and material possessions, and it took its toll on all my relationships, on my physical health, my emotional and mental health.” – Tony Shalhoub

“The body needs its rest, and sleep is extremely important in any health regimen. There should be three main things: eating, exercise and sleep. All three together in the right balance make for a truly healthy lifestyle.” – Rohit Shetty

“Care for life and physical health, with due regard for the needs of others and the common good, is concomitant with respect for human dignity.” – Salvatore J. Cordileone

Life becomes so much more meaningful if you make a conscious effort to add meaning and life to your years instead of just trying to add years to your life. And there’s never a better time to start this journey than now.

]]>http://www.collajmag.com/2465/avoid-the-void-in-your-daily-living-how-to-live-life-to-the-fullest/feed/0Diligent Work Ethic: 7 Reasons Why You Should Do Your Job Wellhttp://www.collajmag.com/1024/diligent-work-ethic-7-reasons-why-you-should-do-your-job-well/
http://www.collajmag.com/1024/diligent-work-ethic-7-reasons-why-you-should-do-your-job-well/#commentsTue, 08 Aug 2017 00:49:32 +0000http://www.collajmag.com/?p=1024In a world of bad bosses, little pay, boring work or colleagues you don’t get along with, there’s always something that stops you from doing and trying your very best at work. But when you have a reason or goal to look forward to, it can make all the difference. Here are 7 reasons why you should do your job well no matter what you do or how much you get paid.

1.) Character enhancement.

You might get away with shoddy work here and there, but little bad habits become big bad habits that seep into your character. When you try your best at something, you’re prone to discover what your strengths and potential abilities are.

2.) Respect and a good reputation.

Working diligently can get you noticed by your boss or decision makers even though they may never pay you a compliment. Plus, you avoid being the subject of gossip and malicious rumors.

3.) Higher morale.

Attitude is infectious. A bad one can have negative repercussions and create tension with others, especially when you’re working with a team that relies on your efforts. When everyone works hard, there’s a sense of triumph and achievement.

4.) Promotions and unexpected rewards.

When you perform your job well and try your best, it can get you noticed and get you that promotion along with other unexpected financial rewards.

5.) Puts you ahead of the pack.

Diligence is a rare trait in the workforce and makes you a valuable asset that is not easily replaceable.

6.) References and recommendations.

When it’s time to find another job, old colleagues can become good references and give good recommendations to your prospective employers.

7.) Rewarding feeling.

Accomplishing a task with great care and attention while knowing you did your best is a rewarding feeling.

So even if you hate your job, do it right and do it well for the sake of your own future. Ultimately, the best reason to have a diligent work ethic is because you’re passionate about what you do. If you don’t know that is, make it your priority to find out. The sooner you do that, the happier and more productive you’ll be.

]]>http://www.collajmag.com/1024/diligent-work-ethic-7-reasons-why-you-should-do-your-job-well/feed/2The Top 5 Traits of Highly Successful Peoplehttp://www.collajmag.com/1292/top-5-traits-of-highly-successful-people/
http://www.collajmag.com/1292/top-5-traits-of-highly-successful-people/#commentsSat, 04 Jun 2016 23:33:16 +0000http://www.collajmag.com/?p=1292We all know that feeling when our mind and heart want to do something but the action doesn’t follow—setting your alarm to 5am, when reality is 7am; telling yourself you’re going to work out everyday, when it’s actually once a month or none; committing to start a new venture, only to realize that it’s already been a year and nothing has been put into action; and the list can go on and on. Well, to help revive your old or current goals, we put together a list of the top five traits that all highly successful people exhibit.

Top 5 Traits of Highly Successful People:

1) Visionary

Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks is a big dreamer. As a poor little boy in Brooklyn, New York, Schultz had the dream of opening his own Italian coffeehouse. With a goal of “creating and building an enduring global brand,” Starbucks has truly become what it was set out to be, and you can count on finding one in every city, if not every block. See the Starbucks Mission Statement for a more detailed vision and the principles they follow.

2) Passionate

Passion is a gift. It’s the fuel that drives you to pursue your dream and helps you overpower the fears that try to get in the way. Passion is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring desire.

3) Diligent

Diligence is having perseverance even when the going gets tough. In Barbara Walter’s interview with Oprah Winfrey regarding her decision to leave the show after 25 years, Oprah says, “[You] can’t call in sick, can’t ever give less than 100 percent, and if you are sick, which I’ve been a couple of times, that’s when you got to pull up to 110, 120 because people have come from all over the world and this is their moment …”

4) Proactive, Not Reactive

Successful people don’t procrastinate or wait for things to happen:

5) Lifelong Learner

They constantly strive to make things better, asking “what’s my next step?” They’re always reading, on the search for new information and ideas, and apply what they learn.

Most of us spend on average 40 hours a week at work. But when your lunches are composed mostly of meals that come from your nearest fast food joint, it can take a toll on your body and/or your wallet in the long run. Better to spend those extra calories and cash during social gatherings or outings with friends and family, enjoying every bite of that dessert.

So if you’re looking to make a change in your lifestyle or need new ideas for packing healthy lunches beyond the boring classic sandwiches, here are 5 easy solutions from Monday to Friday.

MONDAY

It’s the first day of the work week since your over-indulgent weekend. You’ll want to start off with something light, fresh and healthy.

Pack your lunch with Kettle’s baked salt and pepper potato chips for a light and flavorful crunch with your meal.

WEDNESDAY

When you’re at the pasta aisle, instead of grabbing the spaghetti noodles by default, look for the gnocchi package and follow this easy recipe from Epicurious. Prep time: 15 minutes

For dessert or afternoon snack, opt for those sweet and luscious figs, which are packed with nutrients like calcium, fiber and potassium. Fig season begins early summer and runs through fall.

THURSDAY

It’s Thursday and you’ve done the American, Mediterranean, and Italian. For day 4, direct your palates to the low caloric soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat (gluten-free) flour. To make Soba Noodle Salad, cook and drain the noodles, julienne carrots and bell peppers, and add this Simple Asian Dressing from Bonapetit.com.

For dessert, pack a box of chocolate Pocky Sticks that will hit the spot without being too heavy. Also comes in strawberry and green tea flavors, which you can find in Asian grocery markets.

FRIDAY

It’s finally Friday and you’re ready for the weekend. Maybe by this day you’re a bit tired of making lunch for yourself and want to eat out with co-workers. Cut yourself some slack—it’s okay to go out at least once a week. Or maybe this packing-lunch-thing has been a fun adventure and you can’t stop. If that describes you, turn your attention to this Mexican Rice dish and don’t forget to spice it up with your favorite hot sauce like Tabasco or the amazing Valentina Salsa Picante (#1 bestseller in Mexico). Here’s a quick and easy Mexican Rice and Black Beans recipe at MyRecipes.com.

Cool yourself off by eating the meal with cherry tomatoes, or you can save them for an afternoon snack.

Voilà! And there you have 5 meals for every day of the week. Once these recipes get tiring, find a new twist to the main ingredient. For instance, if you’re using noodles, change the sauce, spice or veggies used.

]]>http://www.collajmag.com/2403/packing-lunch-for-work-5-unique-ideas-that-dont-include-sandwiches/feed/0Professional Dress Code for Spring & Summerhttp://www.collajmag.com/2425/professional-dress-code-for-spring-summer/
http://www.collajmag.com/2425/professional-dress-code-for-spring-summer/#commentsTue, 12 May 2015 19:43:35 +0000http://www.collajmag.com/?p=2425Winter is long gone, but maybe your wardrobe still consists of drab and somber colors because you just don’t know how to do professional any other way. Whether your job requires the prim and proper look or not, it’s always a smart choice to stay on top of your style game and look like you mean business. And when you dress the part, you tend to act the part–and that will go a long way.

For Her: Add pops of color to your blazer, skirt, bag or shoes, but choose a color scheme and stick with it (no more than three colors). E.g., Blue + white + orange and a metal tone for jewelry.

For Him: Wearing an orange suit can make you stick out like a sore thumb, but you don’t need to stick to the navy, black or brown either. This season, stick with the khaki tone and light grey suits, which are perfect for any professional or elegant occasion.

Get tailored. You might have fallen into the trap or cycle of wearing clothes that are too tight or too loose, but didn’t notice it because it’s not what you’re used to. The key is to make it fit perfectly to your body. Clothing shouldn’t be so tight that it looks like a button will burst, and it shouldn’t be loose or big, which can exhibit a frumpish and outdated style.

Neat and trim. Part of a professional dress code is being well-groomed and clean–not looking like you just got out of bed and rushed to work. The focus should be on the hair, face and nails. Avoiding shabby tees, stained or faded clothing is already a given unless you’re painting or in that kind of a setting.

Be well-mannered. This means being considerate, mature about situations and having a good work ethic no matter what industry you’re in. In the end, you’ll see that it’s a win-win for all.

T.A. Blazer – Yoox.com

Alexander McQueen Cropped floral stretch-jacquard top

Kate Spade Golden Elephant Studs

Givenchy Antigona Large Tote

Lucas Nascimento White Leather Pencil Skirt

Christian Louboutin So Kate 120mm pumps

Suunto Essential Water-Resistant Digital Watch

Thom Browne Madras Plaid Linen Tie

Paul Smith Peach Shawl Collar Linen Blazer

Windsor Smith Rocket Chestnut shoes (business-professional)

Paul Smith Aran Stretch-Cotton Chinos

Club Monaco Sperry Sneakers (business-casual)

Filson 72 Hour Briefcase

]]>http://www.collajmag.com/2425/professional-dress-code-for-spring-summer/feed/0What’s Your Level of Patience?http://www.collajmag.com/2391/whats-your-level-of-patience/
http://www.collajmag.com/2391/whats-your-level-of-patience/#commentsWed, 08 Apr 2015 15:39:19 +0000http://www.collajmag.com/?p=2391
I f e v e r y w o r d i n a n a r t i c l e w a s written in that way, would it drive you crazy? Would you have the patience to read it all the way through or would you just “forget it” and move on?

Being patient is probably one of the top characteristics you’d want in your significant other, friends, and yourself. But, it’s the most hardest characteristics to hone because you need situations that require patience in order for you to overcome it–call it life tests, if you will.

Some are naturally thrown into the situation, forcing them to withstand and endure problems, delays or sufferings without giving up on life or becoming super anxious or annoyed. It can be something as little as hearing the person next to you loudly slurping their noodles at a restaurant, which you really can’t stand, or as big as not being able to find a job after getting laid off when it’s already been 11 months and counting.

Whatever the situation, it’s how you respond that sets you apart from the rest of the pack. If you really think about it, everything requires patience. Waiting in line to purchase an item. Waiting for an appointment. Waiting in traffic. Waiting on the plane to get to the next destination. Waiting for a website to load on a slow server. Waiting for the bus. Waiting from engagement time to wedding day. Waiting nine months until delivery. Waiting until you achieve your career goal. Waiting for your passport to arrive in the mail. And the list goes on and on.

And with such an express culture we live in, it’s easy to get angry when your texts messages don’t get a reply after a few short minutes or the the person you emailed didn’t respond even after a few hours when you know he/she has a smartphone connected to the account. You make all these “logical” assumptions thinking you are in the right and the other person is in the wrong.

But maybe she was taking a shower or nap. Maybe he got into a car accident, God forbid. Maybe she was at a job interview. Maybe he was thinking about how to respond and while he was thinking about that, his boss called and eventually forgot about the text.

Whatever the situation, when you start to become empathetic, your reaction starts to change as well. The culture of instant gratification has gotten us used to getting everything now. Fast is related to positive. Slow is related to negative. And that is how we subconsciously seem to rationalize situations and experiences.

So the next time you encounter a moment that tests your patience, rather than approaching it impulsively and in your own perspective, think about it logically and empathetically. And is it really worth getting angry over? High blood pressure, a ruined day, damaged relationships? Probably not.

When you think of Homer Simpson and Garfield, Scrooge and the Grinch, Miranda Priestly (Devil Wears Prada) and Wilhelmina Slater (Ugly Betty), specific characteristics come to mind. While amusing to watch on the screen, it becomes a different story when these things play out in our own lives. These moral flaws, evil practices or unhealthy habits are called vices, which we’re all guilty of. But how do they affect us? Here are the top 5 vices to master and the reasons why we should work to overcome them.

1.) Anger. One of the most toxic emotions, anger is sometimes hard to control especially in the heat of the moment. But if you know what it does to your body, you’ll want to tame it. Anger and hatred are related and can lead to psychosomatic illnesses (physical illnesses that come from the influences of the mind). According to Dr. Cynthia Thaik, research shows that “even one five-minute episode of anger is so stressful that it can impair your immune system for more than six hours.” (For more on this, read her tips on how to overcome anger and hatred.)

2.) Lust. More than lusting after a person like an object and gratifying your own desire, make love the target, which isn’t fleeting or selfish but lasting. What is love? To start, you can’t really love a person without knowing or spending time with him/her. Love is putting value in the other person or group, holding them dear and caring for them. And sometimes it’s a choice more than a desire.

“Lust is temporary, romance can be nice, but love is the most important thing of all. Because without love, lust and romance will always be short-lived.” -Danielle Steel

3.) Greed. The intense desire for wealth or power can lead to unjustified or excessive behavior. Greed puts value and worth in possessions instead of important intangibles like building character and experiences. Here’s what the classic novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky said in The Brothers Karamazov:

“The world says: “You have needs — satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don’t hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more.” This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder.”

4.) Pride. There are two types, the good and the bad. The harmless kind is when you find satisfaction and joy from life’s achievements. The toxic kind of pride translates into arrogance, self-centeredness, and stubbornness that prevents a person from admitting mistakes or wrongdoing. This can lead to ugly power trips, derogatory behavior, prejudice, and a bad reputation. Instead, strive to be a little more humble and less egotistical. You’ll burn less bridges and make more friends.

“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.”-Thomas Merton

5.) Laziness. Laziness leads to negligence, which leads to a messy closet, piled up dishes and work left undone due to a lack of effort. Having a lazy work mindset gives you the permission to easily give up and hinders you from becoming your best and smartest.

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” – Albert Einstein

Narisa Suzuki, a Japanese native who moved to the United States at the age of 18, is an actress and model based in Los Angeles with a background in musical theater and opera. When asked about how she defines success, her answer wasn’t about getting to a certain destination or reaching a goal but about a life process of constant growth.

Narisa got her first break as a leading actress on The Gunslingers, a Western film that was distributed by Lionsgate. After it went to the Cannes Film Festival, she decided to move to LA in order to hone her craft and pursue acting even further.

—

What is the most challenging part about acting in LA?

As an actor, you need to be passionate about it. Being Asian is tough, moreover, being from a foreign country, you sometimes have trouble being accepted. To overcome the language barrier, I practice 1 or 2 hours everyday and sometimes with a speech coach.

What do you like about LA?

People are friendly, open, and sometimes crazy (laugh). People in Japan are typically conservative…they don’t talk to strangers on the street. Here, people are more open-minded. I like being surrounded by people who have a lot of passion and creativity.

What are your 3 passions in life?

Love, peace… sounds cliché but I mean it (laugh), oh, and grace. With all the madness that can happen within this industry, being able to find and provide peace is critical. I work in a highly collaborative industry, so it is key to appreciate everyone that you come in contact with.

How do you stay grounded in the entertainment industry while keeping your faith and values?

The industry has changed a lot due to technology. Self-marketing is becoming one of our jobs in addition to acting, even though I rather put my focus on the art. People put a lot of emphasis on social media. I really had a hard time with the narcissistic nature of it because it can easily become all about me, me, me. Christianity is not about self service. This doesn’t mean that I want to avoid fame and fortune, though. Like John the Baptist, I believe that I can use them as tools to do God’s work, as long as I approach it selflessly.

Where do you like to hang out?

Downtown LA is becoming a fascinating area to hang out. It’s vibrant with all different cultures and activities. There’s the art district, fashion district, Little Tokyo, and countless restaurants. As long as I’m with my friends, though, I can hang out anywhere!

Do you recommend any good Japanese food in LA?

Ramen is always nice, and it’s becoming a big trend in LA. Another favorite spot of mine is Kaba restaurant but it just opened recently so not many people know about it. I recently discovered Cherry Blossom in downtown LA. It’s a pho place and they have this amazing crab noodle dish.

Do you follow a special diet or routine?

My goal is to drink 3 liters of water daily. And I make my own facial mask consisting of yogurt, green tea powder, honey, and olive oil. I put it on for 30 minutes and wash it off. It leaves your face soft and smooth.

Do you have any other advice on skincare?

Be happy. It shows on your skin and body.

Do you ever worry about finances or budgeting since acting can be an unsteady job?

In terms of budget management, it took me 6 hours to find this amazing app called Receipt Catcher…you take pictures of your receipts and by the end of month, they organize it all for you. It’s great for reporting taxes as an actor.

What’s your dream job?

I would love to have a channel, my own travel show. It’s my dream.

How would you define success?

That you’re always growing.

How have you grown since coming here?

I definitely learned a lot about myself. You can’t operate a ship without knowing the mechanics involved, so knowing who I am and what I can do is critical.

Korean dramas, Gangnam Style, K-pop, Samsung, Hyundai and amazing skincare products might be the first things that come to mind when you think of South Korea. But with 50 million people living in a country the size of Utah (which has a population of 2.9 million), along with a competitive nature that stems from the country’s history, and the “we” instead of “I” mentality, the effects trickle into a thriving beauty and fashion culture–and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

R&D

Huge in research and development, South Korea was recognized as the world’s most R&D-intensive country and ranked first in Bloomberg’s Global Innovation Index in 2014, which is probably the reason for their innovative skincare and makeup lines, as well as their advancement in technology.

Nip & Tuck

From a 2010 report by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, South Korea ranked #1. Double eyelids, nose jobs and facial reconstruction in Asian countries surpass breast augmentation, which is more popular in Western and European nations due to different ideals of beauty. It’s not uncommon to see poster and billboard advertisements flashed across subway stations and on the streets.

Me Too, Me Too

When a character on a popular drama starts a trend, almost everyone needs to have that thing and it becomes an instant hit. The same goes with face shape, hair color, hair style, jewelry, clothing and shoes. Andwhenyou’rethisclose to people everyday and every moment whether on the subway, neighborhoods, streets or public spaces, paying close attention to your appearance becomes a requirement.

Fashion-Forward

Street style ranges from pop idol influenced urban wear to high fashion looks that are unique and trendy or simple but sleek. College students dress more professional as the ladies forego backpacks for totes, and you probably won’t see anyone wearing sweatpants or jammies in public. By American standards, guys have the metro look down pat with artful hair that tends to go asymmetrical and volumized in the front (as the men here have a different standard of “manliness”). Bowl cuts have managed to remain popular but with a creative twist. Man purses are also the norm, and don’t be surprised to see couples dressed alike, especially at the romantic Han River.

Skincare

South Koreans are obsessed with skincare, and a 10-step beauty routine is a normal daily process in order to achieve that dewy, flawless face. It is also the largest market for men’s cosmetics, mostly in the form of BB cream for covering up facial blemishes. There’s even a Tony Moly ad that reads: “Real men don’t wear makeup…just BB cream.” Overall, Amorepacific Corp, which is the country’s largest cosmetic firm rose 127% in consumer stock in 2014.

In addition to all the obsession to skincare, it goes hand in hand with the spa culture of public Korean bathhouses that are sprinkled all throughout the country (which involve full body scrubdowns that will leave you feeling squeaky clean). South Korea may be a small nation, but it has quickly risen to become a global star in pop culture, beauty and fashion–all merged into one. So the next time you visit the country, don’t forget to leave without a fresh face–and perspective!

]]>http://www.collajmag.com/2335/global-influence-5-facts-about-korean-pop-culture-beauty-fashion/feed/0Daily Reminders We Often Forget About Until We Read or Hear About Themhttp://www.collajmag.com/2317/daily-reminders-we-often-forget-about-until-we-read-or-hear-about-them/
http://www.collajmag.com/2317/daily-reminders-we-often-forget-about-until-we-read-or-hear-about-them/#commentsWed, 31 Dec 2014 21:58:54 +0000http://www.collajmag.com/?p=2317Perfect reminders all year round.

1) Drink more water. We all know this age-old advice but we often forget, missing out on major benefits. When you drink up, it helps clear blemishes and shave years off your face like it did for this gal. She conducted a four-week experiment of drinking three liters of water every single day and wrote about her results on the Daily Mail. To get an idea of how much water you should be drinking daily, try this hydration calculator. For a more comprehensive read, go to HealthAmbition.com.

2) Stay motivated and bring back your mojo with an inspirational quote on the wall near your desk or the wallpaper of your phone, tablet or laptop. Change it up often so that it doesn’t just become decoration. And learn a thing or two from these two famous billionaires.

3) Avoid canned foods and drinks, especially if it’s part of your daily consumption. A new study published in Hypertension, a journal of the American Heart Association, shows that BPA found in cans and plastic bottles are linked to a quick rise in blood pressure. Read the article at environment.harvard.edu.

4) Make it a point to exercise and just do it. If you hate going to the gym or don’t have time, do a few squats before you sleep and stretch in the morning. Or better yet, try this 7-minute workout.

5) Sit up straight and don’t slouch. If you have a hard time remembering, turn it into a habit by the help of phone alerts throughout the day. And try these strengthening exercises.

6) Learn to drive in the rain. Californians are slightly notorious for not knowing how to drive in the rain. Remember to always have good tire treads and read these driving tips.

7) Wash off the bird droppings on your car. Remember to wipe it off as soon as possible since it can ruin the exterior due to the paint expanding once sunlight hits the excrement. While we’re at it, read about the many other ways to ruin your paint without knowing it.

8) “Life is fragile—handle with care.” The poem by Jean Dament sums it up nicely. Remember not to take time for granted but wisely invest in it because you never know what will happen today or tomorrow.

9) Be grateful. It’s a simple statement, but more often than not we might not think of it as part of our daily thought process. Recollect your blessings, not your problems; and learn to appreciate instead of criticize. Read Forbe’s 7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude.

10) Learn to smile and make it sincere.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”